Zubizarreta: Barca won't sell David Villa

Barcelona director of football Andoni Zubizarreta has insisted Arsenal target David Villa will not be sold in January, as the club do not usually sell their best players halfway through a season.

David Villa has not got a guaranteed starting place

The Spain international has struggled to secure regular playing time since his return from a serious leg injury and he has been linked with a January move.

Arsenal have been mentioned prominently in reports linking Villa with the Barcelona exit door, but the club are not looking to deal in January.

"In January we will keep Villa and it is important to remember that Barcelona is a club that habitually does not accept offers for star players in January," Zubizarreta told Canal Plus. "David is a player that brings goals and intensity to the team.

"Now he has recovered from a serious injury I believe that he is offering a good level on the field. It is normal that big players desire to play and this is perfect for the competition in the squad."